The internet is a vast marketplace, teeming with potential clients and customers. Yet, many professionals have been slow to fully leverage the power of the internet as a marketing tool. While many have embraced email and established websites, they often struggle with how to effectively utilize these platforms. Every day, thousands of consumers and businesses are searching for professional services online, presenting a golden opportunity for those who know how to tap into this resource.
Major law firms often invest heavily in their websites, spending thousands of dollars on design and development. However, they often overlook the value of listing their services on internet directories such as Lawyers.com or Attorneyfind.com. These directories offer a cost-effective way to increase visibility and attract potential clients. Smaller firms and sole practitioners, often with more modest website budgets, have been able to capitalize on this oversight, using these directories to present a professional image and reach a wider audience.
When building a website, there are several key factors to consider:
While advertising on the internet can be highly effective, it's important to target your ads to avoid attracting visitors who are outside your service area. For example, a law firm in Clayton, Missouri specializing in criminal law might use keywords such as "Missouri crimes", "Clayton crime", and "Missouri arrest" to ensure their ads are seen by the right audience.
Search engines like GoTo.com offer pay-per-click advertising, which can be a cost-effective way to increase visibility. While you shouldn't expect a flood of traffic, the visitors you do attract are likely to be highly targeted and therefore more likely to convert into clients.
Submitting your site to search engines is another important step in increasing your online visibility. There are many firms that offer this service for free. However, be wary of those that promise to submit your site to thousands of search engines, as this is likely to result in a flood of "thank you" messages and little else.
When submitting your site, ensure it includes "metatags" that clearly indicate your areas of expertise and location. This will increase the chances of your site appearing in relevant search results. However, keep in mind that very few firms achieve high rankings on search engines, and most users don't look beyond the first 20 results.
In conclusion, professionals should leverage the power of internet directories and targeted online advertising to attract highly relevant traffic to their site. By doing so, they can significantly increase their online visibility and attract more potential clients.
